650i Coupe

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Review

2006
BMW
6-Series Review

A great combination of luxury and technology.

Reviewed by Automotive on
12/20/2006

Overview

BMW, a well-known luxury car manufacturer, produces the 2006 BMW 6 Series, which serves as a two-door coupe. It makes the perfect car for anyone looking to combine BMW's high-performance and quality with a little bit more luxury than other BMWs. It fills the gap left behind after the demise of the 8 Series, although the original 6 Series appeared between 1977 and 1989.

The 6 Series has somewhat controversial styling and a beautifully designed cabin, which combines with BMW's strong engines to produce a car that seems like a delight to handle. The current series debuted in 2004, and the underlying structure remains very similar to the 5 Series. It even uses the same engine as the 550i. However, this car has much more to offer, and it appeals to those looking for the complete driving experience.

The 6 Series provides a luxurious but quick ride for its occupants, and the stylish exterior only adds to this feeling. However it doesn’t make a great choice for anyone who regularly needs to carry passengers in the back seat. If you need a luxury coupe that looks distinctly like a BMW, then the 6 Series makes a great choice.

The Range

What's New

This year the 6 Series upgrades to a 4.8-liter V-8 which produces 360 hp.

Exterior

The sleek and sexy exterior looks unmistakably like a BMW. The 2006 BMW 6 Series comes with a whole host of standard features. The 650i features 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, and the convertible has a power top.

Choosing BMW's sport package adds larger wheels and tires, along with an Active Steering system. All the coupes have a standard panorama glass roof which helps make the already spacious cabin feel even roomier. If you choose the convertible, then the top drops down in less than 30 seconds.

Interior

As drivers expect, the interior design of this BMW looks pretty nice. All the controls sit in intuitive locations, but not all seem easy to use. While the 2006 BMW 6 Series seats four, the two in the rear seat find it somewhat cramped, but it makes a great option for a couple.

The BMW 6 Series comes with a whole host of standard features. The 650i includes premium leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth wireless capacity, power windows, and wood trim. The front seats can be adjusted in a multitude of ways, and the driver’s-seat memory and heaters ensure that they feel incredibly comfortable. BMW's iDrive system comes integrated into the console, and the DVD-based navigation system includes voice command. Parking sensors come standard, but active cruise control remains optional.

Other optional extras include a glove box-mounted CD changer, a premium sound system, and choosing BMW's sport package adds support seats and an Active Steering system.

Performance & Handling

The 2006 BMW 6 Series coupe and convertible comes with a 4.8-liter V-8, producing 360 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. This same engine appears in the 5 and 7 Series sedans, and it remains incredibly smooth and quiet. BMW offers a choice of three different transmissions, including a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, and a six-speed paddle-shifted sequential manual gearbox. This last transmission makes the perfect choice for drivers who enjoy a combination of automatic and manual gearboxes. All models use rear drive.

The 6 Series comes packed full of technology, but this doesn't hinder the excellent driving experience. As with all BMWs, the steering tightens up when driven at speed, and it has an enviable ability to hug the road. Its stabilization system keeps the large car firmly in place, even when going around corners. The choice of transmissions make it a lot of fun to drive if you love driving, or an easy car to drive if you just want a large, luxurious coupe. It does not feel as athletic and nimble as smaller BMWs, but it doesn’t disappoint either.

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2006 BMW 6 Series include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side-impact airbags, and full-length side-curtain airbags in the coupe version. The convertible series has a rollover protection system. Optional extras include adaptive headlights and run-flat tires.